HELP PETS Act

# HELP PETS Act Summary **What the Bill Does** The HELP PETS Act would prevent colleges and universities from receiving federal funding if they conduct or fund painful research experiments on dogs or cats. The bill defines "painful research" using pain categories already established by the Department of Agriculture. Essentially, it creates a financial penalty for higher education institutions that perform certain types of animal testing on these two species. **Who It Affects** This bill would impact universities and colleges that currently receive federal funding and conduct research involving dogs or cats. Research institutions conducting medical studies, drug testing, or biomedical training that causes pain to these animals would face the loss of all federal funds.

Researchers, students, and the institutions themselves would be affected, as would the broader scientific community that relies on animal research for developing new medical treatments. **Current Status** The bill was introduced in the 119th Congress by Rep. Nicole Malliotakis (R-NY) and is currently in committee, meaning it has not yet been debated or voted on by the full House. It remains in the early stages of the legislative process.